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Corvus	By : LadyFreak Category: Harry Potter AU/AR > General Views: 23963 -:- Recommendations : 3 -:- Currently Reading : 7
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor to I make any money from this story. These characters are JKR's, I just play with them.

Chapter List
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Disclaimer: I don't, and never will, own Harry Potter. All plots and characters belong to J.K. Rowling and company.

::Parseltongue::

/mind-to-mind with Huginn/

'thoughts'

"Normal Speech"

A/N: for the sake of my story, Beaubaxtons is an all girl school

(27) Tests & Meetings

A few days later, Severus and Bellatrix arrived in a large boardroom to shouts and loud bangs of fists on tables. They looked at each other amused for a moment before remembering the reason they were there. They caught the eye of Lucius who cast a bright firework charm at the ceiling. The bright light and bang made everyone silence.

"Now that we have your attention." Lucius said silkily. He nodded at two chairs across from him for the two newcomers to take. "As I said, both the Ravenclaw and Gryffindor ghosts were witness to the atrocious behavior. Corvus Lestrange, who you have all met a couple of times due to his multiple acceptances and correspondence courses, was attacked without provocation."

The blond wizard paused for a moment to let those gathered remember the smart young man who had stood before them just a few months ago. "It has come to my attention that this was not the first time young Lestrange was pushed around by the group. Apparently it is commonplace for this specific group of Gryffindors to bully around the others. But for some reason, they held special enmity for Corvus.

"I understand why many are hesitant to act in any way or fashion, but we must ignore the names of this case and look at the facts and facts alone. Close your eyes. Picture the students as male or female. A stranger or a family member. But ignore the original participants." He got nods all around the room as eyes closed. He began telling the tale. "A student has been bullied all year by another, let's call them Student A and Student B, who is joined by his friend, Student C. They have never met until the summer during a shopping trip to Diagon Alley which Student B pushes Student A off of the stool he stood on. When they get to school Students B and C constantly push, hex, and jinx Student A throughout the year. After being given detention for defending himself, Student A decides to ignore the other student. He doesn't defend himself with magic or words. He simply... walks away. But Student B and C cannot stand being ignored, so they increase their attacks, until finally, they persuade more housemates to join them. Call them D, E, and F.

"On this day, Student A walks up a staircase that leads straight to his dormitory. It is in an area that is rarely occupied by anyone other than those in his own house. He looks up to see a group of the five students standing before him. He finally opens his mouth and asks them 'why?' and he is told it is because of something his father did. He tries to walk past, but they push him backwards. He tries again, with the same result.

"He tries a third time. This time it is more than a push. Student C punches student A in the stomach and the face. Then Student B pushes him," Lucius took a breath to calm his voice, "down a flight of stairs."

The blonde wizard closed his eyes and took some deep breaths. He couldn't imagine the fear that Corvus felt as he fell back into nothing. He took a moment to look around the room. Most of the Governors were pale, some had tear tracks on their faces. He took another breath before continuing.

"Now, Student A's magic reacted to protect him and the attackers ended up with boils. From the school, they were deducted 250 points and received 3 months of detention. However, this is not enough. He shows no remorse, no panic, no worry. He just stands around bored." The group began opening their eyes and looked around at each other. Bellatrix had tears flowing down her face and Severus was pale with his lips pressed together firmly. "So what do we do?"

"Under normal circumstances we would expel students B and C and suspend students D, E, and F." Said Lord Nott. "But these are not normal circumstances and no matter how much we want to, we cannot treat them as such." Nods all around the room.

"Madam Lestrange?" Said Lady Abbot. "We know you understand the circumstances we are placed in. What would you have us do?"

()

While Severus and Bellatrix discussed Potter's punishment, Corvus himself was performing his practical examinations at Stregonaria while Rabastan waited in the nearby Italian Wizarding District.

Not surprisingly, Corvus did extremely well. Before the exam, He had a 2 hour period where he could practice and request help from the Healing Arts Professor. After the exam, which lasted about an hour, Corvus returned to his books to study. He had an hour of lunch and then returned for the same process with his Light, Gray and Dark Arts class.

Once his exams were complete, Corvus met Rabastan outside the gates of the school, where they apparated back to the District.

Their first stop was De Luca's wand shop, where they caught up and chatted for a bit. Next, they decided to shop around some.

They walked through the stalls to see if there was anything new to see, and there was plenty. All of the artisans had fresh work out, most created in the days after the holiday rush.

Corvus followed his feet to a particularly worn out tent. A witch with rich auburn hair that curled in every direction sat on a stool reading a book. Her green eyes caught his and she gave a smile and slight nod in greeting. He returned the gesture before looking around.

The area was covered in journals and notebooks. They were made of every material and placed in every available spot. On tables, ground, bookshelves, and even hanging in pockets on the side of the tent. There was barely room to walk, but he made due.

Corvus knew he was being watched, but didn't mind. These books were the owner's art after all.

The stacks of books were numerous, and almost too daunting to tackle, but Corvus felt there was something there just for him- just like he knew to open the goblin ward book, or how he felt the need to save Granger... though he was still working out the last.

He moved in front of a few piles of books stacked under a table and began moving entire piles out of his way.

The woman's eyes were now a constant burning on the back of his head, but again, he didn't care. There was something here for him, something calling to him...

He had to move book stacks until he was nearly completely under the table, but finally he saw it. A silver cover binding reflecting light in multiple colors. He pulled it out from the middle of the pile gingerly, to not damage the other books. The first thing he noticed, other than the amazing silver hide that covered it, was a deeply embossed pegasus in flight. As he moved the book around, turning it this way and that he nearly dropped it. He would have sworn his eyes flashed green for a moment, instead of his deep teal.

He could feel magic coming off the item as well, relaying the charms placed upon it by it's creator.

Still feeling eyes on him, Corvus turned quickly and smiled at the owner. She looked slightly wary at the mess he had made and he did have the grace to smile apologetically.

He handed the book to her to hold and returned to his spot to return all the books he moved. Once he was done, he turned to her again.

"Thank you very much. I can't tell you how often people come in here and tear the place up." He gave a slight bow and took the book that she presented to him. "Find what you needed, dear?" she asked politely.

Corvus smiled brightly. "Yes. Do you craft these?" he asked curiously. The witch nodded. "So if I fill a book, would I be able to get the same book at a later date? Or perhaps simply something similar?"

"No two books are the same" she said apologetically. "However, there are some that are similar. If you would like, I could customize some for you."

Corvus thought for a moment, but shook his head. "I'll just return and find what I need when the time is right," and soon as the words were said, he knew they were true. In this case at least, he needed to choose the books on his own, custom work wouldn't let him do that.

She didn't seem offended though, and simply smiled at him. As they completed the transaction, she explained to him that the book was protected with both anti-fire and waterproof charms. She also told him that the book could be charmed further if needed. He had her give him her information, including owl address, and he wrote it on the back cover of his book. Sera Ebiracs.

With that taken care of, he met his uncle outside the tent and portkeyed back to the Manor.

()

Back at the Board of Governors meeting, Bellatrix was thinking of the words she wanted to say.

She cleared her throat and dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief. "You need to add in the other events of the year as well. Have you reviewed the memories sent and had them verified?" The Board nodded. "So what do you do? I understand your position, but it is obvious normal punishments are not working on this child. It's also difficult due to the Headmaster's unhealthy interest in him" Sow the seeds of doubt early, she thought with an inward smirk as the board nodded unanimously.

She appeared to be deep in thought, before Severus spoke up. "Quidditch" At the questioning looks, he continued. "I know how Potters like that sport. I think we all do" chuckles all around. "While a lifetime ban is not feasible, perhaps a quidditch ban to the end of second year?"

As the Board agreed, Bellatrix added on in a steely voice "I also want a public apology about this. If not for the fact that my son was so close to Severus' rooms, the Potter boy would be under trial for murder!" most of the room winced at the anger in her words.

Severus put a calming hand on her arm, which seemed to deflate her.

Another Board member, an older wizard with short brown hair and searching blue eyes spoke up. "We understand your anger, Lady Lestrange. We have children, and many have grandchildren now. We will ban the boy from quidditch until the end of his third year and make sure the Headmaster follows through on this decree." He paused for a moment, considering his words. "I would suggest giving the Potter's a choice. A trial for attempted murder with penseive memories or a public apology." He looked around his associates for their agreement, and received it by way of nods and murmurs. "It's something that can be brought to your solicitor."

Bellatrix, Severus, and Lucius all nodded. "Thank you" she said softly with a dip of her head. "If I may make one more request?" The wizard motioned his hand for her to continue. "While I'm sure the fact that you are stepping over the Headmaster to dole out punishment will be a headache for him, I also want something else done about Dumbledore. He lied to me. He told me my son fell down some stairs and broke his arm, and kept me from visiting the wing. Not to mention all the pain my son had to go through because valuable information was being blocked from our letters." She turned her violet eyes imploringly on each member.

They converged on themselves, muttering and shaking their heads. Severus leaned over and whispered. "Well done. Can't wait to see the look on the old man's face."

Finally the group broke apart and the gentleman, Lord Braxley, spoke up. He grimaced, but she knew they did the best they could. "As far as Dumbledore, we can fine him, but other than that it will be difficult. He holds too many positions."

Bellatrix nodded, but looked downfallen. She stood, understanding their time was up. "I greatly appreciate your time and look forward to a safer school for my son in the coming term."

They all replied with similar sentiments and to close, agreed for Lucius to be their representative in this matter while dealing with Dumbledore and the Potters.

"We will set up a meeting with your solicitor after the holidays. We want him at his best and not distracted," said Lucius after the meeting had been dismissed.

Bellatrix nodded in agreement and left the room to return home.

Lucius looked at Severus as he watched the witch leave the room "How did things get so far?"

The potions master shook his head. "I really don't know. I tried to keep them in line, but there is a limit to what I can do outside the classroom. I heard rumors about Potter, but could never catch him, and Corvus never really came to me. He did once, but did not want the events well known. He had confronted the Headmaster after this one. I believe there were provisions to his silence involved in that meeting, but I wasn't there." He let out a heavy breath. "The last time we spoke I told him to avoid the brat. He told me he was and that the Gryffindors continued to corner him. He left angry and until that day we had not spoken."

"I understand his anger, but I also understand your position and inability to do anything. Let's hope that things will calm down in the new term."

Severus nodded and handed Lucius his letters from Corvus before turning around. Before he could leave, however, he was called back. "Severus, come to the Manor for a drink"

He agreed and followed the blonde wizard through the floo network

()

Bellatrix entered her manor and sat in her study, thinking over the meeting. She pulled a parchment towards he and wrote a summary of the events and send it off to their solicitor.

She met Corvus in the dining room for dinner and they shared their days.

Bellatrix went first, knowing it was best to leave on a happier note. She explained what they came up with as punishment for the Potter boy and though he wished there was more, Corvus knew the loss of Quidditch would hit the family hard.

After the discussion on the board meeting, Corvus discussed his tests with his mother. Explaining the new healing spells he had learned and tested on. Though he didn't act nervous, his mother knew better. The boy rambled constantly and would until his grades came in.

What was worse was his Durmstrang exam was the next day.

Bellatrix just smiled and let him talk. Though she was interested in his day, much of what he said was rambling.

()

Corvus headed to Durmstrang Academy early the following morning. Just like Stregonaria, he had 2 hours of lecture and a chance to ask questions.

However, unlike Stregonaria, he actually used all of the two hours. Once the time was up, he was surprised and slightly annoyed that there would be no practical for the course. Apparently most wizards didn't have enough power to perform Blood Magic.

Corvus frowned for a moment. He knew he had the magic to perform. After all, he did the wards on the door with Fluffy. He wanted to be tested. The question was how to get the professor to agree.

He looked up at his Professor, a dark haired blue eyed wizard who reminded him of his Uncle Rabastan. His tanned skin and the spark of magic in his eyes the only obvious differences. Then again,the spark in his eyes could be mischief. "I do understand your reasoning Professor Valkov, but I would like to try." He pulled the new journal from his bag. "I'd like to protect this from being opened by anyone but me. I understand there are other wards available to use, but what better way to try out my abilities for Blood Magic?"

The Professor's eyes narrowed in thought. "We could try. But I make no promises."

Corvus nodded and followed him into a potions classroom. The room was empty but for a single bench in the center. He narrowed his eyes at the Professor "You knew I would ask" he started, but was cut off suddenly by a new voice.

"Of course we knew!" came the voice from the doorway. The wizard was tall with wavy black hair hanging around his face. He had the aristocratic features of the noble families such as high cheekbones and grey eyes, but somehow still managed to look shifty. "First student to receive three invitations from the schools of Europe? If you were a girl Beaubaxtons would probably want you as well!" The new wizard smirked at the blush fighting its way to Corvus' cheeks. "I even heard Madam Maxine was considering bending the rules for you!"

Corvus blushed deeper and sputtered a bit, the narrowed his eyes in anger as the two men laughed at his expense.

Volkov was the first to stop laughing, but he smiled at his student reddening before him. With a slight bow, he waved a hand towards to newcomer "Corvus Lestrange, meet Igor Karkaroff. Headmaster of Durmstrang Academy."

Corvus schooled his face. "A Pleasure, Headmaster" he said steadily.

Karkaroff nodded his head, not bothered by the boy's icy demeanor. "The pleasure is mine, Mr. Lestrange." The older wizard glanced around the room for a moment before nodding again. "I'll leave you to your exam now."

Corvus was grateful the man left and didn't watch him work. As it was, he saw suspicion in the eyes of his Professor.

Once the Headmaster was gone, the two got to work. "Other than Blood Wards, most protections would be hexes and curses" his professor began. "What sort of protection do you want to create?"

"Not a curse since at Hogwarts someone would be likely to complain, but not a simple jinx either."

"You could make it a multi-layered protection," came the response. "The Blood Ward alone will alert you to anyone other than you trying to open the book or attempting to break the wards. Instead of recognizing your magic by touch, make it recognize your blood."

Corvus thought this over while examining the book from every angle. He considered the different hexes and jinxes that he could use. Other than being alerted by the ward, he wanted a person to be wary of trying to open the book. But not so scared so they would go running to Dumbledore.

A multi-headed attack would work. But what to use as the 'heads'?

Speaking of heads made him think of a hydra and a smirk grew on his face. One look from his professor and he knew it was one to scare many.

"What do you have planned?"

"Think of a Hydra" Corvus started excitedly. "Start with the Blood Ward so I will be aware of someone trying to open, but we could also use that branch of magic to cover the other hexes. If someone tries to break through the wards, they will see that they have succeeded only to find out that it is only now ten times as strong. So if I used a stinging hex and someone tried to break through, the next one would be a stronger stinging hex. After say... three attempts, it becomes a cutting hex and so on."

The professor scratched his chin in thought. "No one will be able to get through the Blood Ward"

"True, but I want them to be wary to ever try again."

"Just what are you using this for?" came the question laced with suspicion.

"I'm trying out my Blood Magic, Professor." He said cheekily. When he realized the man wouldn't budge, he added "My godfather is a potions master and I'm well aware of the rivalries in the field."

"You are only eleven."

Corvus smirked, "And I received invites to three, almost four, magical schools"

His professor returned the smirk. "I don't believe you, but alright."

Figuring out the runes and casting took nearly three hours and when complete, it was the most powerful piece of work Corvus had ever worked with. Sweat poured down his back as he finished the seal, blood spread over the spine of the book.

When it was finished, most of the book remained silver, but the spine was a deep red that shimmered just as the rest of the book did. It was layered as Corvus wanted, ending with a blood magic hex that mimicked the dark blood boiling curse.

The professor didn't dare test it beyond the first cutting hex. Right after the hex hit his hand, he handed the book back to Corvus who was smirking as he healed the Professor's cut.

He left with the highest grade in the history of the school.

()

The following day, Corvus slept in late, exhausted from the magic it took to complete his book. His mother was concerned when she saw him upon his return, but suitably impressed when he explained what he had done.

After lunch, Corvus floo'd to Malfoy Manor where Narcissa and Draco were waiting for him. They had plans to visit Diagon Alley to replenish their school supplies.

"Right, what do we need?" asked Narcissa once they passed into the alley.

"Parchment, quills, ink, the usual" said Corvus. "Extra potions ingredients wouldn't be remiss either" a hiss sounded in his ear "and aparently we're in need of mice as well."

Narcissa chuckled at that last information while Draco spoke up. "They will have mice at Eyelops. We need owl pellets anyway, especially you Cor."

The dark haired wizard nodded. "Yes, I'll need them for Hedwig. I also have to get her a protection ring like Huginn has."

Narcissa glanced around the alley running the list in her mind while mapping out their shopping trip. She was very organized even when having to go out to buy things. "Time is ever fleeting" she had told Corvus once when he had smirked at her plans. "No point in wasting it"

Their first stop was Gringotts to pick up money as well as books from his vaults. He wanted to get more Blood Magic books from the LeFay vaults and the rest of Ravenclaw's journals. He had only read that one paragraph when he found the first book, now he had an inkling he would need more.

Once they had the books in Corvus' trunk, which he had brought with him shrunk in a pocket, they headed out to do the shopping.

Knowing Flourish and Blotts would take the longest and Eyelops would be last (Corvus was never comfortable with shrinking down live animals), they headed to the stationary store.

Soon as Corvus entered the store, he felt a new pull. Seriously? He thought to himself as he let out a sigh. He ignored the looks he was getting from his family and headed through the store. He barely paid attention as he picked up large packs of parchments, new quills and different ink colors. Luckily he paid just enough attention to avoid the pink, purple and rainbow ink wells.

He finally stood before a display that rang out to him. It was a display of quills behind glass, which was rare for the stores of Diagon Alley.

"Expensive taste, young man" came a voice from his shoulder. He made no move to reply, but looked over with his brow raised. "Extremely rare Pegasus quills," he explained.

Corvus cursed under his breath and told the man to get him two silver quills. Each of which cost 100 Galleons. The man looked like he would argue when Narcissa showed up and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Is there a problem?" She asked.

"I like these quills, Aunt Cissa" he said softly.

She knew of his Ravenclaw powers and nodded. "Then I don't see the problem. This is the Lestrange Heir so if money is your worry, it shouldn't be."

The man nodded and made complicated wand movements before the case. He pulled out three quills and handed them to Corvus. Draco who had just arrived besides them raised a brow at the display. "Three for two hundred Galleons Mr. Lestrange. I apologize for my hesitance. Many come in and look, but none have ever purchased them. I was planning on selling the stock-"

"Don't" Corvus cut him off. The man looked confused. "I can guarantee that I will be back to buy more. Don't sell your stock."

The man gave a bow in thanks and led the family to the counter. On the way, Corvus grabbed a pot of azure ink. At his Aunt and cousin's confused looks, he just shrugged his shoulders and gave a small smile.

From there they completed their shopping, including the protection ring for Hedwig.

A/N: OK, so I've been bombarded with plot bunnies lately. I'm just glad I am still about 7 chapters ahead on this story. *sigh*. Year 1 is complete and Year 2 is about halfway done, though it is fairly fast paced. Hope you all enjoyed the chapter.
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Corvus